The BA(Hons) course at the University of Sunderland will now be headed by a leading social media guru

Posted by Charley Rogers | December 03, 2017 | People

One of the UK’s leading digital media experts will be teaching the next generation of social media managers at the University of Sunderland.

Rich Keith, chief revenue officer of Yogscast – a YouTube network with over 23 million subscribers and 100m monthly views – has become a Visiting Professor on the BA (Hons) Social Media Management course, one of the first of its kind in the region.

The programme equips students with the ability to create and manage content online. It was developed in response to huge demand from diverse industries for graduates with these skills.

"First and foremost, you need to create content you really care about,” explains Rich. “It doesn't matter whether you have a passion for videogames or vintage cars, fashion or freerunning – there is an audience out there to be reached.”

He added: "Businesses are crying out for people who really understand social media platforms – who uses them and what content works best where.

"Video remains the most powerful way to grab and hold attention. And the mistake many YouTubers make is failing to stay the course. It takes time to build an audience and the best way to do that is to be consistent and persistent.”

Becoming an expert in existing social media platforms with the ability to create, curate and share content, and analyse and engage online audiences is becoming a must requirement for employers. - Lee Hall, Principal Lecturer, University of Sunderland

Rich is YouTube certified and has over 20 years’ experience working at a range of innovative media companies as a journalist, publisher and executive.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to working with students and helping them to develop the skills business like ours need so much."

BA (Hons) Social Media Management covers topics such as shooting and editing video, media law, building audience and managing communities. The first intake will begin their studies in September 2018.

Lee Hall, Principal Lecturer in Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies said: "I am delighted that Rich Keith will be offering his excellent knowledge and expertise to our students on this new programme and look forward to working with him as we move forward.”

He added: “Almost every employer, from Vogue to Formula 1, has a social media presence. Becoming an expert in existing social media platforms with the ability to create, curate and share content, and analyse and engage online audiences is becoming a must requirement for employers.

“This new course will help our students develop highly marketable skills in the management of social media channels and online communities, plus their own personal online brand.

“In our innovative mediaHUB, they will be able to work on live websites and social channels and rub shoulders with the BBC and media professionals as they prepare for a career in the creative industries.”